As brands look for easily incorporated multi-sensory aspect to add to consumer-facing events, many are opting to host virtual reality activations that provide a full immersion in an experience entirely designed by the brand. From flavor journeys that recreate the cultivation of a popular cheese to in-store sledding stunts that transport shoppers to the Arctic, there are plenty of virtual reality applications that can enhance the in-store experience and add a memorable aspect to any brand pop-up.
Hosted by Reebok at the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend in Nashville, an athletic virtual reality experience allowed attendees to face off against some of the hockey stars playing in the annual tournament. The interactive experience used the Samsung VR system and used haptic communication to replicate the feeling of being body checked by another player.
24 Virtual Reality Activations
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Couture VR Experiences
Dior Eyes is a Branded Virtual Reality Headset for Interacting with Clients
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Experiential Beer Lounges
The Budweiser Beer Garage is the Latest SXSW 2016 Activation from A-B
22
Soda Brand Factory Visits
This Coca-Cola Brazil Campaign Was a Response to Negative Rumors
21
Multi-Sensory Warehouse Installations
'29Rooms' Immerses Refinery29 Readers in Real-World Content
20
In-Store Immersion Pods
The Bompas & Parr 'Taste Pod' Debuted a Thorntons Store in London
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VR Painting Experiences
McDonald's Helps Fans Unleash Their Inner Artist with VR Art at SXSW
18
Nature Walk Simulators
Merrell's Virtual Reality Experience Highlights the Beauty of Nature
17
Pop-Up Eco-Energy Labs
The Shell Eco-Marathon Experience Took Place in Rotterdam
16
Virtual Reality Santa Visits
The JCPenney VR Santa Experience is Driving In-Store Traffic
15
Virtual Flight Experiences
Stella Artois Presented a VR-Powered Bird's Eye View of Wimbledon
14
Vacation-Inspired VR Events
This Kayak Pop-Up Transported People to Miami Via VR
13
Immersive Whiskey Simulators
Jim Beam's Virtual Reality Simulator Puts You in the Place of Whiskey
12
VR Shopping Campaigns
Westfield's Future Fashion Project Leverages Augmented Reality
11
Virtual Reality Flavor Journeys
The Boursin Sensorium is a VR-Powered 3D Exploration of Cheese
10
VR Cricket Experiences
'A Proper Ball' is a VR Event from Yorkshire Tea and the ECB
9
VR Painting Experiences
Hieronymus Bosch's Artwork Now Immerses the Viewer in Virtual Reality
8
Iconic Sneaker Simulations
In Their Chucks is an Interactive Digital Campaign from Converse
7
Immersive Hockey VR Campaigns
Reebok Hosted a VR Pop-Up at the 2016 NHL All-Star Weekend
6
Virtual Reality Studios
Samsung is Opening a VR Studio in New York City
5
Flavor-Controlling Musical Instruments
The Flavor Conductor Uses Sound & Light to Influence Tastes
4
Indoor Sledding Stunts
North Face's Dog Sledding VR Experience Launches a Real-Life Race
3
Sensory Conference Events
Mashable's MashBash is an Interactive Party at South by Southwest
2
Virtual Reality Coffee Tours
This Nescafe 360-Degree Video Showcases International Coffee Growers
1
Festive VR Dining Experiences
TGI Fridays' Holiday Experience Transports Diners to the Arctic
Related Ideas
Immersive Multi-Brand Beauty Pop-Ups
Sephora Partners with Amorepacific for 'Seoul in the City'
Immersive Throwback Sports Events
Michelob ULTRA Launched the 'Run Back the Miracle' Activation
Automated Retail Concepts
VenHub Smart Stores Use Ai & Robotics to Redefine a Shopping Experience
Experiential Multisensory Pop-Ups
Pleasing's Immersive PleasingLand Includes a “Scent Arcade”
Creative Retail Competitions
Bricks & Minifigs Launches LEGO Clock Design Contest
Pop-Up Recovery Shops
Nike’s Soup Shop in China Redefines Comfort Post-Run Experiences
Festival Vodka Brand Activations
Absolut Launched Its Heat Haus & New RTD Line at Coachella 2026
Experiential Convenience Stores
FamilyMart Announced IP-Centered Store Experiences in Japan
Entertainment-Driven Distilleries
Ole Smoky and Yee-Haw create immersive brewery venues
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Nutrition-Forward Treat Shop Pop-Ups
Bloom Nutrition Hosted the Very Successful Treat Shoppe
Interactive Soccer-Themed Brand Activations
Henkel House Was Designed to Delight US Soccer Fans
Interactive Fan Zones
The Coca‑Cola Fan Zone is an Ultimate World Cup Destination
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Experiential fragrance
CPL Aromas Creates Interactive Scent Worlds for Emotional Engagement
Immersive Soccer Hubs
adidas Unveiled its Toronto Brand Hub for the FIFA World Cup
Immersive Multimedia Experiences
Moment Factory's Aura Installations an Highly Impressive
Mobile Cafe Pop-Ups
Coach Introduced a Vibrant Coffee Truck in Gotemba, Japan
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Experiential K-Beauty Retail
Yepoda Opens an Immersive Flagship Store in Seoul
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Science-Led Skincare Pop-Ups
Medik8 and Space NK are Hosting an Ex-PDRN Prismatic+ Lab Experience
Fandom Culture Retail Experiences
EB Games x Vibrant Marketing Launch an 'EB Trends' Store Concept
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
Soda-Celebrating Ice Cream Parlors
The Pepsi Parlour Promotes the Pepsi Ice Cream Zero Sugar Range
Luxe Wellness Apparel Activations
alo Yoga Featured a Minimalist French Riviera Takeover
Sensory Retail Experiences
Claire’s Launches ASMR-Inspired Stores for Gen Alpha Shoppers
Clinical K-Beauty Pop-Ups
Rejuran Debuts Science-Led Skincare Through a Sephora LA Activation
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Icy Branded Soda Experiences
The Pepsi Put it on Ice Bar Will Offer Festive Drinks
Entertainment-Powered Retail Experiences
AT&T Brings Toy Story 5 to Interactive Store Activations
Nicotine Pouch-Inspired Events
Velo Completes Its 'Echoes of Tomorrowland' Event
Industrial-Inspired Brand Events
Reitmans Reimagined its Distribution Centre for a Curated Event
Fashion Soccer Activations
Herbalife Has Joined FIFA 1904 SoHo Wellness Activation
Immersive Denim-Focused Fashion Pop-Ups
Pacsun Debuts Its Denim Starts Here Campaign
Data-Driven Digital Experiences
Samsung Unveiled a Color-Changing Installation in London
AI-Enhanced Sports Clubs
IBM's AI Sports Club Transforms Physical Game into Data-Driven Broadcasts
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Playable Brand Universes
adidas and Brawl Stars Connect Gaming, Apparel and Live Fan Experiences
Paris Running Pop-Ups
New Balance Paris Marathon Weekend Activates Run House Cultural Space
Shoppable AR Villages
The Snapchat Winter Village Has Three Immersive Luxury Brand Boutiques
Immersive Gaming Lands
Minecraft World Brings the Game to Life in a Theme Park
shop-in-shop streetwear installations
U Urban Outfitters debuts the Vans 'On Rotation' experience
Health-Focused Interactive Pop-Ups
Ancient + Brave Ran the Live Bravely Pop-Up in California
Experiential Brand Cafés
Nutella Reimagines Its Chicago Café with Digital Ordering and a New Menu
Virtual Live-TV Experiences
DIRECTV Launches Its DIRECTV on Meta Quest Viewing
Pop-Up Streaming Service Experiences
EE and Netflix Partnered for an Immersive Experience
Interdimensional Gaming Experiences
Alienware x Twitch Transform Grand Central Terminal
Experiential Wellness-Focused Pop-Ups
while on earth™ Partnered with Athletic Brewing Company
Immersive Superhero Attractions
Warner Bros. Gamifies Superman Storytelling with Gameplay
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
DTC Physical Retail Expansions
Povison Opens Its First Permanent Store in Los Angeles
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
Content-Driven Flagship Retail
GARAGE Builds an Immersive Flagship in New York's Flatiron District
Virtual Furniture Pop-Ups
Ikea in Roblox’s Welcome to Bloxburg Offers Furniture in a Digital Store
Sofa-Centered Marketing Activations
This Sofa Club Activation Encouraged Consumers to Take a Seat
Hypermarket Sleepover Experiences
Carrefour's CarreNight Invites Customers to Stay the Night
Branded Retail Installations
Urban Outfitters Recently Spotlighted UGG in Its 'On Rotation' Series
Retail-Focused Soccer-Themed Fan Experiences
Simon Joins Forces with addias Ahead of FIFA
RGB-Themed Pop-Up Activations
Hisense Debuted a Pop-Up FIFA Activation at Hudson Yard
Pop-Up Sports Hospitality
Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival Turns Urban Spaces into Immersive Fan Hubs
Clay Bar Beer Activations
This Stella Artois Roland-Garros 2026 Activation is Immersive
Collaborative Esports Tour Events
Intel and Team Liquid are Bringing Experiences Global
World Cup Hospitality Experiences
Stella Artois Turns Bars into Immersive FIFA Viewing Locations
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Luxury Sports Hospitality
The Ritz-Carlton Blends SailGP Access With Experiential Travel Packages
Pop-Up Reality TV Bars
Samsung Electronics' Verkligheten is a Destination for Reality TV Fans
Experiential Running Shoe Shops
House of SportsShoes Merges Digital Presence & Physical Experience
Immersive Queue Displays
Samsung Transforms Everland Wait Lines with Interactive 3D Safari Visuals
Subway Station Fashion Takeovers
Reitmans Hosts its Spring 2026 Lower Bay Station Preview
Immersive Soccer Tournament Pop-Ups
Lay's Unveils an Immersive Pop-Up Experience
Sports Lifestyle Retail
Nordstrom Blends World Cup Fashion with Immersive Pop-Ups
Mobile Retail Experiences
Duluth Trading Brings Apparel Shopping to Events with a Mobile Showroom
Holographic Golf Presentations
PXG Uses Live Hologram To Connect CEO With PGA Show
Activity Gear Billboards
Ocean Spray's Reclaim Happy Hour Activation Got Australians Up & Moving
Science-Backed Adventure Collaborations
Toyota, AllGear Digital & Immersion Neuroscience Partner
Illusory Ice Cream Pop-Ups
Häagen-Dazs Celebrated St. Patrick's Day with an O'Häagen's
Mobile Brand Experiences
M&M's Brings an Interactive Caravan to the Tour De France
Wearable Olfactory VR Modules
Institute of Science Tokyo Introduced Scent Headset Prototype
Immersive Character Experiences
Sanrio Brings Kuromi to Life with an Interactive KCON Activation
Elemental Retail Spaces
Goldwin Creates a Multi-Sensory Retail Environment in New York City
Franchise Destination Retail
Gundam Base Expands Immersive Hobby Stores Across the US
K-Scent Experiences
dsm-firmenich explores K-Scent culture through an immersive Seoul exhibition
Stadium Stay Experiences
Marriott Bonvoy Introduces a World Cup Final Sleepover Suite for Fans
Fandom Retail Experiences
TOUS les JOURS Transforms Bakery Cafés into BTS Fan Destinations
Soccer-Themed Entertainment Events
Sky Zone Turns Global Soccer Excitement into Active Play
Sports Fandom Beauty
E.l.f. Creates Immersive Beauty Experiences Around Global Soccer
Spatial Awareness Headphone Models
The Spherephones Use Spatial Music to Connect Users to Robots
Immersive Museum Exhibitions
The Football is Freedom Alters Football into an Interactive Museum
Wellness Recovery Events
Toronto's The Wellness Club Hosts an Immersive Social Wellness Experience
Immersive Music Festival Stores
BELLA+CANVAS Debuted Museum of Merchandise at Coachella
Interactive Robotic Demonstrations
GoLabs and GOTRAX Partner to Spotlight a New Golf Cart
Marathon Performance Hubs
The PUMA NITRO Lab Transforms ICA into a Multi-Day Running Activation
Protein Cheese Activations
Armstrong Cheese Celebrated its Protein Offerings with a Fridge Pop-Up
Experiential Tabletop Launches
MindWare Brings Immersive Game Demos to Gen Con 2026
Interactive Game Advertisements
Samsung Ads GameBreaks Encourage Deeper Engagement
Gamified Discount Events
Build-A-Bear Uses Mystery Offers to Drive Engagement
Franchise Commerce Marketing
poppi Connects Retail Products with Love Island Experiences
Immersive Blood Donation
Samsung and Abbott Use Galaxy XR to Create Calming Donor Experiences.
Fantasy World Theme Parks
Disney Builds Real-Life Arendelle with World of Frozen
Locker Room Fashion Events
Pacsun Hosted an Event in the Los Angeles Rams Locker Room
Participatory Brand Platforms
Crown Royal Builds a Community-Driven Cultural Platform
Dynamic In-Game Integrations
Adrenaline Interactive Unveiled Brand Fusion AI
Experiential Wine Campaigns
Avaline Partners with Proper Hotels for a Summer Music Series
Immersive DIY Events
DIY CON Brings Hands-On Workshops and Creator-Led Experiences
Personalised Immersive Wellness
Emergence at 113 Spring is a New Multi-Sensorial Wellness Curation
Experiential Sock Pop-Ups
O2's Not a Sock Shop Shared Designs Reflecting Priority Experiences
Immersive K-Culture Expos
K-EXPO USA Combines K-Pop, Food and Lifestyle Experiences
Measured Retail Expansions
Vessi Launches its Bellevue Store and In-Store Splash Experience
Ad-Friendly Vertical Video Feeds
Instacart Debuts the Immersive Feed Feature on Its Platform
Hybrid Entertainment Venues
Playdium Vaughan Blends Arcade Games, AR Attractions and Event Spaces
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Wellness Experience Stores
BIRKENSTOCK Combines Footwear Care with Community Experiences
Arena Beauty Activations
L'Oréal Brings Immersive Beauty Experiences to Europe's Largest Arena
Shoppable Mascot Homes
Pillsbury's Mascot is Inviting Fans into His Modern Doughhouse Revival
Retail Beverage Experiences
The Paper Store Uses Custom Drink Stations to Boost Engagement
Phygital Loyalty Experiences
Lush Links App Rewards to In-Store Events and Services
In-Store Retail Media Networks
Raley's Expands Shopper Advertising Through Grocery TV
Experiential Trade Shows
Wines Experience Reinvents Industry Networking in London
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Vacation Mode Activations
San Miguel's Holiday Mirror Transforms Passersby with AR
Event-Centric Camping Experiences
Huttopia Hosts World Cup Viewing and Activities at Its Campsites
Immersive Polar Exploration
Atlas Ocean Voyages Expands Luxury Arctic Expedition Travel
Immersive Art Travel Programs
Marriott launches artist residency stays
Experiential Brand Roles
Lagunitas Recruits a Beer Roadie for the Iron Maiden Tour
Community Fashion Events
Free People Hosts a Charitable Summer Gathering with Film and Activities
Immersive Nighttime Theme Parks
SeaWorld Combines Concerts, Drone Displays and Live Entertainment
Marketplace Showrooms
StockX Combines Shopping, Seller Services and Community Events in New York
Cardholder Access Experiences
Visa Unlocks Early Access and VIP Perks at Top of the Rock
Experiential Retail Communities
Lykli Blends Retail, Wellness and Community Spaces Under One Roof
Immersive Fitness Apps
Gym Spatial Brings Immersive Environments To Apple Vision Pro Workouts
Event-Driven Instant Retail
JD Sports Delivers England Shirts Through Uber Eats Before Kick-Off
Stadium Fan Festivals
FIFA Turns the LA Coliseum into a Multi-Day Fan Experience Hub
Interactive Cinematic Attractions
Disney Expanded Star Wars Storytelling Across Theme Parks
Crowd Analytics Beacons
EB Systems Deploys Crowd-Tracking Beacons at FIFA Venues
Modular Corporate Workspaces
Oculus Design Studio Unveiled Nestle IT & Digital Hub in Bangalore